MY ANSWER

If God is in control, why did He make people like Hitler or Stalin, who caused the deaths of millions? Doesn't that make God responsible for those deaths?
Billy Graham writes, "God is not responsible for what evil men do; they alone are responsible, and they are accountable to God for their evil actions. You see, when God first created the human race, He made them completely free."

MY ANSWER

If God is in control of everything, why do bad things happen to us? I'd like to believe in God, but I just can't understand this.
Billy Graham writes, "I've been asked hundreds of times why God allows evil to take place, and I have to tell you honestly that I do not know the answer—not fully."

MY ANSWER

If God loved us He wouldn't let disasters like Hurricane Katrina take place. How can anyone believe God cares for us when something like that happens?
Billy Graham writes, "I don't understand why God allows so much evil in the world. Someday we will understand—but not yet. But I do know this: Satan is responsible for the evil in the world, not God."

MY ANSWER

Do you believe God curses some people with bad luck all their lives?
Billy Graham writes, "God doesn't arbitrarily condemn some people to a lifetime of sin and hardship and disappointment. Evil doesn't come from God; it comes from the devil, and it comes also from the twisted world we live in."

MY ANSWER

I've had to stop working because of my cerebral palsy. I used to be very active in my church, but now it's all I can do just to show up. Why did God do this to me?
Billy Graham writes, "No, you may not be able to do everything you once did. But listen: God isn't only interested in what we do; He also is concerned about what we are."

MY ANSWER

I heard someone say the other day that more Christians are being persecuted today than ever before. Is that true?
Billy Graham writes, "In the last 100 years, more Christians have probably suffered and died for their faith than at any other time in the history of Christianity. Many of these cases go unreported—but even the reports we do get confirm this fact."

MY ANSWER

The doctor told us my brother would never recover from his stroke, but he's almost completely healed. Was this a miracle?
Billy Graham writes, "I'm sure your doctor had similar cases in the past, and he didn't want to raise any false hopes about your brother's recovery. But the human brain is marvelously complex, and I'm sure he would be the first to admit he was wrong in your brother's case.&q

MY ANSWER

My cousin who was injured in a car accident is always cheerful and says God has been very good to her. How can she say such a thing?
Billy Graham writes, "Your cousin has probably asked the same question you have, and I'm sure her path has not been easy. But in the midst of it all she has made a very important discovery: God is with us even in the midst of life's hardest situations."

MY ANSWER

My nephew was in a car accident and ended up with some serious disabilities. He's bitter and angry at God for doing this to him, and sometimes he even says he wishes he'd died.
Billy Graham writes, "Whenever something bad happens to us we face a choice, whether we realize it or not: We can either let it defeat us—or with God's help, we can defeat it."

MY ANSWER

I've got so many problems I don't see how anyone can solve them, even God.
Billy Graham writes, "When we come to Christ, God Himself comes to live within us by His Holy Spirit—and one of His purposes is to help us when we face difficult times."

MY ANSWER

My cousin keeps telling me just to have faith that everything will work out in my life. But how can I have that kind of faith when everything is going wrong?
Billy Graham writes, "Your cousin sounds like an optimistic person, and I'm sure she wants to encourage you and cheer you up."

MY ANSWER

I can understand why God lets bad things happen to people who are evil, but why do bad things sometimes happen to good people?
Billy Graham writes, "Over the years, I suppose I've asked myself this question hundreds of times—and I have to admit I still don't know the full answer."

MY ANSWER

I took a religion class in college last year, and one of our assignments was to read the book of Job in the Old Testament. Can you help me understand it? I read it through three times, and I never did figure out what Job's answer was to the question of suffering.

MY ANSWER

Does God sometimes test our faith by letting hard times happen to us? If so, why does He do it? Doesn't He already know whether or not our faith is genuine?
Sometimes God does test our faith, just as He tested the faith of the ancient Israelites by allowing them to go through hard times in the wilderness, "in order to know what was in your heart" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

MY ANSWER

I truly believe God has forgiven me for the way I messed up my life, but frankly I'm beginning to wonder what difference it makes. Things aren't any better now than they were before I turned to God. I thought God would take away my problems but He hasn't. Am I doing something wrong?
No, you aren't necessarily doing anything wrong - not if you're sincerely seeking to follow Christ in your daily life. God still loves you and wants to help you.

DECISION MAGAZINE

Wiping Away the Tears
One New York fire fighter lost 15 of his friends his brothers when they rushed into the World Trade Center on a mission of mercy. He wonders, "Why are they dead? And why am I still alive?"

DECISION MAGAZINE

Offering Hope and Encouragement
Volunteers at the Billy Graham New York Prayer Center are speaking with people who are dealing with all sorts of problems that need prayer.

DECISION MAGAZINE

In Perfect Peace
Todd Beamer’s mother, Peggy Beamer, talks about her faith and the Christian values that she helped to instill in her son.

DECISION MAGAZINE

How Do We Help the Hurting?
We are called to comfort the hurting, even if we lack special training.

DECISION MAGAZINE

Asking God "Why?"
Is it wrong for us to ask, “Why?”